E Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, Sept 16, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officiated the peak event of Sail Komodo 2013 in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on September 14. The inauguration was marked by a sailing pass of 21 Indonesian warships and 7 government ships, and was followed by a yacht rally representing 17 countries as well as a parade of five big boats.

Sail Komodo 2013 participants included yachts from Malaysia, Australia, Netherlands, Thailand, Phillipines, and the United States. "The idea of all Sails' events is to boost regional economic activity. The event becomes the momentum for Indonesia to further promote its marine tourism to the world," said the Minister.

Sharif explained that sustainable welfare development is one of the key missions of Sail Komodo 2013. The Sails becomes a model for promoting activities for accelerating development in the islands and surrounding areas. Further, since this year's Sail took place in and around Komodo National Park, it is expected that the event will bring benefits to people living along the Sail's route.

"Through Sail Komodo 2013, we can further promote Komodo National Park and marine conservation in order to develop the blue economy. Therefore, Sail Komodo carries the theme "Sail Komodo 2013: The Golden Bridge Making East Nusa Tenggara The World's Main Tourism Destination," explained Sharif.

Sail Komodo 2013 was established with a number of strategic objectives: to be a role model accelerating island and remote area development; to raise the cross-ministerial/institutional program integration and synergy in order to ensure the sustanaible people's welfare development; to expand Indonesia's national and international tourism destination options; to re-establish the glory of Indonesia as a maritime nation; and to develop the yacht sailing routes in Indonesian waters.

Sail Komodo 2013 activities included the 68th Indonesia's Independence Day Ceremony in the outermost island of Indonesia, the Social Service "Bhakti Kesejahteraan Rakyat Nusantara", State-Owned Companies' Concerns to Komodo, the Cross-country of Kapal Pemuda Nusantara, the Yacht Rally, the International Research Boat Expedition, the Scientific Expedition to the Outermost Islands, the 2013 Derawan Festival, and the Maritime Sports event.

"In addition, we also conducted National and International Seminars on the potential of tourism, culture, and nature, and a seminar discussing ethnic and regional priorities," added Sharif.

Sharif continued that in organizing the yacht rally, the Committee partnered with three yacht operators; Sail Indonesia, Back to Down Under Rally, and Darwin Ambon Yacht Race. The operators are responsible for directing the yachters in their routes, which was flagged-off in Kupang East Nusa Tenggara on August 4.

The routes are divided into two; the north and south routes. The north route passes Kupang-Wini-Atapupu-Kalabahi-Lewoleba-Lembata-Larantuka-Maumere-Labuan Bajo. The south route spans of Ba'a-Sabu Raijua-Sumba-Labuan Bajo. "The event is significantly beneficial to the tourism and economic development of East Nusa Tenggara. It is expected that the number of tourists, both local and international, visiting East Nusa Tengggara will increase annually," said Sharif.

To support the event financially, all involved ministries and institutions participated in the funding allocation. Meanwhile, the local government was responsible for mobilizing all local resources, includung the Regional Government Budget and provate-sector involvement. As in past Sails, Sail Komodo 2013 is an event that benefits the people in a sustainable fashion.

"The event will be a stimulating factor empowering local people to better develop their region," concluded Sharif. "Sail Komodo 2013 has proven itself with a positive impact on regional economic development. We can see that it encourages formal and informal business sectors, like hotels, restaurants, and even home stays, contributing to significant tourism development in East Nusa Tenggara."